My almost two year old has recently realized that he can be independent - gosh it's like they know when they're supposed to start that terrible two thing. I have never really believed in terrible two's with my other kids, but this time I'm thinking it's a real thing. Anyway, he's so darn cute it really doesn't matter much to me. He's a happy camper 90% of the time. The other 10% we sit and enjoy each other's company and all is well in the end.
My six year old is into reading, a lot!! That's a good thing right!? It is, don't get me wrong. However, sometimes, I don't want to read anything nor do I want to be read to. This is when I pull patience fromt he depth of my soul and just listen to her read. I usually fall asleep and then she wakes me by saying, "oh no, now I'm going to have to read it again!" GREAT!! "You know what, your daddy hasn't had a chance to hear this story, let me go get him, HONEY!!!"
My 14 year old wants to be a photagrapher but she doesn't want to have to study very hard to get good grades. There are more important things to consider, such as, clothing, hair, shoes, her social network...Yeah! She's your average teen. Example: three weeks ago she was failing Spanish. That was an embarrassing call from her Spanish teacher who offered to tutor her after school. Embarrassing because I had to inform her that I, her mother, am spanish and speak, read, and write fluently. Her response, "OH." I took away the iPod, forced her to study, talk to me in spanish and work on extra credit to bring up her grade, which she did as of yesterday.
My 17 year old is realizing that more sometimes means less in the end. He is a musician, wants to become a music educator and a concert choir condutor. He has the potential, the voice, the talent and the motivation--no doubt, he makes me tired with all he does. However, doing so much was costing him well needed practice time, which I gently mentioned and he said "I can handle it mom." Well his voice teacher made the same comment about doing too much --" focus on being prepared and practicing your music, that's all you need to do right now." He agreed. Hmmmm, funny how when I said it the effect was completely different. Oh well, what do I know, I'm just a parent.
Today I will get my schedule organized and my to-do list in order. Everyone will get a to-do list this week. Then maybe, just maybe, I'll regain MY time to do what I want on or off line. My toddler will continue to steal my heart for that 10% of the time he feels he needs mommy comfort, my six year old and I will be reading much, much earlier in the day and leaving the night-time reading to daddy, my 14 and 17 year old will continue to learn from their mistake and hopefully reach their full potential. I am proud of my kids--they occupy my space, my time, my life, and they make us oh so happy!!
